4 Keys to Great Guest Services

Here are four keys to having great guest services. Let’s look at these four keys and how to apply them to your ministry.  Below is a tool that was created for this strategy.  You can work through this with your team to craft a great experience for your guests.  The more of the four elements you can meet, the better the chance they will return.  I've listed some examples under each one.  You'll want to come up with your own lists which reflect your unique culture and church situation.

NEEDS

Identify and list the basic needs your first-time guests have. These are the bare minimums that you should provide people with.  Here are some suggestions.  In the blanks below, write other needs guests may have.

• get their kids signed in

• be shown where to go

• know the pick-up procedures

• _______________________

• _______________________

• _______________________

Steps to accomplish:

• have an easy, clear check-in process for new families

• have clear signage

• explain pick-up procedures

• _______________________

• _______________________

• _______________________

PRECONCEIVED STEREOTYPES

Identify the negative, preconceived ideas people may have when they walk in the door.  How can you overcome these?

• churches are judgmental

• churches are boring

• churches aren't friendly places

• churches only want my money

• no one will really care about me and my family

• __________________________

• __________________________

• __________________________

Steps to accomplish:

• place friendly people on your greeter team

• make it clear giving is for members and not guests

• have an exciting service that will engage kis and parents

• place friendly people on your greeter team

• ________________________________

• ________________________________

• ________________________________

EMOTIONS

Emotions are often more powerful than logic when it comes to decisions.  What emotions do you want people to experience?  How can you create an environment that fosters these emotions?

• comfortable

• welcomed

• accepted

• secure

• honored

• ___________________

• ___________________

• ___________________

Steps to accomplish:

• have an easy, clear check-in process for new families

• have clear signage

• explain pick-up procedures

• _________________________

• _________________________

• _________________________
  

 

WANTS

This is an opportunity to create the "wow" factor by going above and beyond the needs that people are expecting you to meet.  When you provide this, you differentiate yourself and give families more reason to return.

• great parking spot

• greeted at door

• quick service

• walked to classroom

• someone to take a personal interest in them

• _______________________

• _______________________

• _______________________

Steps to accomplish:

• have guest parking spots near the door

• have greeters at every door

• have a separate check-in area for guests

• always walk people to their room

• find out something about their family and mention it in a handwritten thank you note.

• ________________________

• ________________________

• ________________________
  

This is an excerpt from my newest book - "Be Our Church Guest."  This book will help you create a great first impression with your guests and help you see many of them return and become a part of your church. You can order your copy at this link.